QMC Hospital Nottingham
The project at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) Hospital in Nottingham involved conducting a PAS 128 Survey using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and ground investigation. The client approached us to perform these services to support their planning and design work for the partnering agreement to deliver a 15-year energy efficiency programme for the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH).
The client initially contacted us via a website enquiry, requesting information on lead times for performing a PAS 128 Survey of the hospital grounds. The specified area was the corner of the East Block, covering approximately 1500 sq. meters. The client provided further details on the scan area and requested additional services as the project progressed.
The PAS 128 survey was essential for the planning and design phase of the High Voltage (HV) cable installation. The data gathered from the survey provided critical information about underground structures, utilities, and potential obstructions within the surveyed area.
The client also requested ground investigation services to obtain geotechnical and geoenvironmental data by drilling boreholes and conducting in-situ and laboratory testing. This information would contribute to the HV installation’s overall design and safety measures.
With the purpose of this project in mind, our objective was to attain the highest quality level possible for the PAS 128 survey. To support this, we implemented an M4P methodology that enables us to analyse various detection data sources using both Electromagnetic locators and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). For the GPR component, we utilised the IDS Stream DP system, which employs a 30-channel multichannel array in double polarisation to deliver precise 3D reconstructions of the underground utility network. With the advanced IQmaps software, our skilled data analysts could effectively interpret the dataset to ensure a reliable quality level for the design team to plan the project successfully.
The scope of the ground investigation included advancing a window sampling borehole to a depth of 2.50 meters below ground level (mbgl). However, the significant thickness and strength of the existing concrete slab necessitated concrete coring to penetrate the slab and facilitate the window sampling.
A Technics engineer oversaw the coring operation, logging and sampling the concrete core for a Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test. The engineer then continued to log and sample the borehole as it progressed to the target depth of 2.50 mbgl, retrieving samples for geotechnical and environmental analysis.
All recovered samples were securely stored at Technics HQ storage facilities. Subsequently, selected samples were sent to UKAS-accredited laboratories for comprehensive geotechnical and geoenvironmental testing.
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